What Actions Will Be Taken After Police Firing That Left One Dead?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One civilian was killed during police firing in an eviction operation.
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma promised action against attackers.
- Eviction aimed at reclaiming over 140 hectares of land.
- Community resistance was significant despite prior warnings.
- Police claimed self-defense during the violent incident.
Guwahati, July 17 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the recent violence in the Paikan Reserve Forest located in the Goalpara district, where a civilian lost their life due to police firing. He stated that measures would be enforced against those who attacked law enforcement officials.
Reports indicate that a considerable crowd assaulted the security forces as the district administration attempted an eviction operation in the Paikan Reserve Forest to reclaim encroached land.
Sarma informed the media, “If anyone assaults the security personnel, we will take appropriate action against them. Our primary focus at this moment is to recover the encroached land within the Paikan Reserve Forest.
Earlier today, a joint eviction initiative led by the Assam Police and the Forest Department turned violent, resulting in one fatality and another individual seriously injured. The chaos erupted after police reportedly fired upon residents resisting the operation.
The drive aimed to clear over 140 hectares of encroached land from a total of 711 hectares within the Paikan Reserve Forest.
The Chief Minister noted, “Tensions escalated when residents from Bidyapara and Betbari, two densely populated areas within the forest, allegedly confronted the eviction team with stones and sticks.
According to officials, the violence initiated when a large group attempted to obstruct the eviction process by attacking police officers and damaging machinery. In turn, police claimed they acted in self-defense.
One individual, identified as Shakuar Hussain, was killed in the confrontation, while another, Kutubuddin Sheikh, suffered severe injuries. Unconfirmed reports suggest that police personnel may have also been injured.
Various social media platforms showcased alarming footage of the scene, depicting furious crowds pursuing the eviction team, throwing stones, and vandalizing equipment, with police seen retreating amid the turmoil.
Authorities had previously conducted numerous patrols and issued public advisories urging settlers to voluntarily vacate the forest land. Nevertheless, resistance remained robust on the ground,” CM Sarma added.